Board Bios
Find out a little bit more about your team.
Tokeli Baker
President
Tokeli has a rich history in multiple disciplines of the arts: Managing Dir (Mariner Theatre Co, La Jolla Stage, SD Black Ensemble Theatre, and Diversionary; Program Chair Performing Arts Dept. (Dehesa Charter School and Mar Vista HS). After her work with non-profit theatres, Tokeli lived in Los Angeles for 8 years, working in television development for Rich Frank {Disney) and Will Smith (Overbrook Entertainment); she then returned to San Diego County to run two Performing and Fine Arts Departments--Mar Vista High School (a Title 1 high school in Imperial Beach), and Dehesa Charter School (K-12 charter in San Marcos). As a musician, her vocal jazz album "Where Do You Start?" (international tour) received Jazz Album of the Year noms from San Diego Music Awards and Los Angeles Music Awards. As a painter, Tokeli’s solo and group exhibitions include Poway Center for the Perf Arts, Oceanside Museum of Art, Escondido Arts Partnership, EAA, among others. Her B.A. in Theatre from UCSD has an emphasis in Directing/Producing. Her Masters degree from Tufts University in Boston, Mass. is in Drama. Tokeli looks forward to serving the EAA and the arts and culture community of Escondido. www.tokeli.com
Valorie Ashley
1st VP Programs
Valorie loves the enriching value that art brings to life. She graduated from San Diego State University with a major in Social Science, emphasis - Multicultural Studies and minor in Art. Her career began as an educator for several years, followed by marketing/public relations and development/fundraising for major non-profit organizations. She enjoyed 10 years as the owner/innkeeper of a Bed and Breakfast, Villa De Valor, in Julian CA. Valorie began drawing the “elders” as she calls them; individuals with the wisdom of the world contained in their weathered, wrinkled features, focusing on their beautiful “eyes.” The photograph like drawings capture the past in the glare from their eyes... She studied art, but never took a pencil drawing class or studied human face portraits. She’s believes her talent is innate. Valorie has branched-off into other mediums but continues to come back to portraits. She is amazed and thankful for her abilities. Valorie is looking forward to sharing her many talents with the E.A.A. and the community at large. www.valorieashley.com
Janice Niles
2nd VP Membership
Art is Janice Niles’ passion. She’s been painting in acrylic and pastel for many years. Her style is a mixture of realism with a touch of fantasy. She paints all subjects, including portraits, but enjoys painting landscapes the most because she tries to convey a feeling of peace and tranquility. A love of nature is what motivates her, and painting gives her a sense of accomplishment, purpose, and most importantly, joy. Janice has had many shows at the Escondido public library and other local venues. Her artwork has been displayed at the Artists Gallery, where she has won numerous awards, and several times at the Del Mar Fair. It’s been a privilege for her to serve on the Escondido Art Assoc. board for the past 8 years.
Pavla Mrazkova
Treasurer
My name is Pavla Mrazkova. I was born in the Czech Republic. I am 58 years old, married to George with two daughters, Jessica and Theresa, both born in Escondido, which became our home, when we moved back to USA in 2011. I have worked in office and management jobs for most of my career in the field of science and in general business. I am happy to be part of the nice community of Escondido. I love meaningful work and communicating with people around me. It is an honor for me to be part of the Escondido Art Association.
Cathy Haven
Secretary
Cathy Haven received her BA in Visual Arts at UCSD in 1977. After graduation she went to work at an international airline and had the opportunity to live and work in various parts of the world. After the birth of her son Cathy obtained a teaching credential and went to work as an elementary school teacher in North County San Diego. Since retiring she has returned to her first love, making art. She has worked in several media including drawing, painting, printmaking, mosaic and driftwood sculpture. Cathy has exhibited her work at the San Diego County Fair, COAL Gallery and the Artist Gallery in Escondido. Nature is often the subject in her art and inspires her creative spirit.
Jinx Lennon, Gallery Dir.
Jinx Lennon is an artist who honed her skills by studying with various artists in the USA and abroad. As a Foreign Service spouse, she was exposed to art culture in many counties. Now retired, she spends her time painting, volunteering, playing tennis, and gardening. Her art reflects her passion for travel.
Suzanne Nicolaisen, Ambassador
Suzanne Nicolaisen is a self-taught artist and has been a member of the Escondido Art Association (EAA), since 2007. She has held many different EAA board positions during her tenure. Her work can be found in several countries around the world. She was born in South Africa, lived in Switzerland, now residing in California, USA. More than 20 years of blending art with her love for everything living, Suzanne enjoys volunteering her time to support the community by combining her love for people, the arts, nature, and her surroundings. Suzanne's love for Escondido is expressed in her "Zanniki's Escondido" series of downtown Escondido paintings. She has never experienced a second of boredom in her life. www.zanniki.net
Pat Hunter
Marketing Director
Growing up in Greater Chicago, I visited the Art Institute often and credit these early art encounters as the basis for my desire to be an artist. My studies include years of adult ed classes as well as on-going studies with local art master. My preferred medium is oil. Landscapes, Pet Portraits, Wildlife are my favorite subjects. www.patriciahunterart.com